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Funding boost to online conservation of world plants

Key
funding boost to online conservation of world plants

An ambitious commitment by
the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) – working with likeminded institutes
around the world – to deliver an online catalogue of the world’s plants has
received a significant boost of $227,000. The funding, from the New York based Trustees
of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, will support the RBGE element of a
coordinated digital database of images and information on plants of the world.

The
Garden, in association with partners at home and
abroad, is at the forefront of a range of projects contributing to the
objectives of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. It not only provides
information and practical assistance on the conservation of plants and trees known
in their habitats around the world, it also continues to describe species new
to science at an average rate of around one per week.

However, there is a fight
against time to ensure that plants are documented. Only then can scientists
establish which of these are endangered or important sources of food, medicines
and materials of economic or cultural value. A comprehensive
inventory of plant life is vital if their full potential is to be realised
before many species, and the possibilities they offer, become extinct. A shared
digital database will play a crucial role in the overall work being done by
botanic gardens.

“The combined expertise of
botanic gardens and other biodiversity institutes around the world can
contribute hugely in providing the baseline information needed to develop improved
approaches to conserve the Earth’s botanical diversity,” explained Professor
Pete Hollingsworth, RBGE Director of Science. “We have a significant task ahead
but, by working in partnership, we can deliver the information
required to take forward these ambitions. We cannot overstate the importance of
funding from trusts such as The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in achieving our
goals.”

The
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, a not-for-profit
corporation under the laws of the State of New York, was formed on June 30, 1969,
through the consolidation of two existing foundations - Avalon Foundation and
Old Dominion Foundation.

It makes grants in five core
areas:

Higher Education and
Scholarship

Scholarly Communications and
Information Technology

Art History, Conservation
and Museums

Performing Arts

Conservation and the
Environment

Institutions and programmes receiving support
are often leaders in their fields. However, they may also be promising
newcomers, or in a position to demonstrate new ways of overcoming obstacles to
achieve their goals.

The
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE)
is a leading international research organisation delivering knowledge,
education and plant conservation action in more than 80 countries around the
world. In Scotland
its four Gardens at Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck and Logan attract nearly a
million visitors each year. It operates as a Non Departmental Public Body
established under the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985, principally
funded by the Scottish Government. It is also a registered charity, managed by
a Board of Trustees appointed by Ministers. Its mission is “exploring and
explaining the world of plants for a better future.” Learn more: www.rbge.org.uk